>> it's one of mitt romney's five sons talking about the debate. and the answer, dad did really, really well. [ cheering and applause ] >> reporter: even many of president obama's supporters consider the first debate firmly in the win column for romney. the president had a few good lines >> for 18 months he's been running on this tax plan, and now five weeks before the election he's saying his big bold idea is never mind. >> reporter: but romney came out strong, essentially taking over as the president seemed to wilt. >> a deduction for taking a plan overseas? i've been in business for 25 years. i have no idea what you're talking about. >> reporter: critics say obama seemed meek, took too many punches and did not go after romney when he had the chance. today he was trying to rebound, accusing mitt romney of dishonesty. >> the real mitt romney has been running around the country for the last year promising $5 trillion in tax cuts that favor the wealthy. the fellow last night said he didn't know anything about that. >> reporter: romney made a surpris